🇯🇵 Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP)
Also known as: HSP visa, HSP, Highly Skilled Foreign Professional visa
Last verified: August 31, 2026
What is the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
Points-based status scored on education, income, age, experience, and Japanese ability. 70+ points unlocks fast-track permanent residency in 3 years, 80+ in just 1 year. Annual income below ¥3 million disqualifies regardless of points, and higher salary bands earn more points. Free for Indian nationals under the reciprocal fee exemption.
Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $0 |
| Processing time | 6–12 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | $20,400/year (about $1,700/month) |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians.
Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $0 | 6–12 weeks | $20,400/year | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa
- Score yourself on the HSP points table
- Collect evidence for every claimed point
- Employer files the CoE with the points sheet
- Receive the CoE (valid 3 months)
- Visa at the embassy/VFS in India — free
- Travel & municipal registration within 14 days
- Track your path to permanent residency
This list is the checklist for Indians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Highly Skilled Professional Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in Japan; a relevant degree; income of about $20,400 a year. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Indians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $0 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 6–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What is the income requirement for the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
- The minimum income is about $20,400 a year (roughly $1,700 a month), expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
- Do I need a job offer for the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in Japan is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the HSP visa the same as the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa?
- Yes. HSP visa, HSP, and Highly Skilled Foreign Professional visa are other names people use for the Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa.
Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa guides by nationality
Other Japan visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: isa.go.jp. This guide is general information, not legal advice.